By Joe Stokes
Last weekend the Philly Metro was the center of a special celebration as Pope Francis was visiting and spreading good will to all. This weekend will feature a visit from a powerful nor’easter riding up the east coast. It could have been worse if early week fears of Hurricane Joaquin had come to pass. Although many games this weekend may be postponed this week offers some good insight as to what the playoff picture will look like in a month.
It appears that St Joe Prep and LaSalle are once again on track for post season play in District 12. Meanwhile District one AAAA is loaded with great squads this year including Upper Dublin, Coatesville, Downingtown East and Downingtown West as all undefeated through week four of the season.
This will mark the tenth season I have attempted to forecast the five toughest games each week. The last nine years the prognostication record stands at 425-183 while going 8-7 this season.
Last week was a dismal one for my prognostications going 1-4. Norristown, Lansdale Catholic, Ridley and Radnor all let me down while picking Unionville over West Chester Rustin accounted for the sole good pick.
Time to recover from that tough weekend.
Coatesville @ Downingtown West
This contest is a big time battle of two undefeated teams that will surely impact the post season lineup in District One. While wind and rain could keep the scoring down the Red Raiders will be tough to stop. QB Jordon Young directs this high powered triple option offense which defeated West Chester Henderson 34-26 last Friday. The Downingtown West Whippets are coming off 61-20 win over Kennett last week with 444 total yards and 180 of those passing. QB Thomas Mattioni shows good control so far this season. This contest will be decided by penalties and turnovers.
Downingtown West 45 Coatesville 38
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Pennridge @ Neshaminy
This contest is a showdown between two Suburban One League National Conference rivals. The Pennridge Rams really need this win to stay in the race after opening the season 2-2. North Penn punished the Rams 31-7 last Friday and running back Nick Hirsch will need to have a big game to help the Ram offense off to a quick start. Neshaminy enters the contest 3-1 with a nice victory over Abington last weekend. The Skins have a potent running attack led by running backs Haydon Rooney and Will Dogba. Giving the Skins the home team advantage and will need it in a close hard fought victory
Neshaminy 34 Pennridge 24
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Cardinal O’Hara @ Academy Park
The Knights are on a roll after an impressive 21-7 win over Lancaster Catholic. QB Taylor Moore is just starting to get the notice he deserves for his efforts this season. The Cardinal O’Hara Lions are in a rebuilding mode and this game will truly measure their progress.
Academy Park 26 Cardinal O’Hara 6
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The rest of the fearless forecast
Spring-Ford 33 Methacton 13
Downingtown East 31 Unionville 27
